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Laboratory technician
Hours
37.5 per week
Starting salary
£13,500 + per year
If you enjoy testing and analysing things, this job could be perfect for you. Lab technicians support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations. They work in areas such as forensic science and scientific analysis, the health service, and in education.
To get into this job you will usually need at least four GCSEs including science, maths and English. Many employers will also prefer you to have relevant A levels or a BTEC Certificate/Diploma.
Lab technicians tend to have enquiring minds and strong problem solving skills. They also have good practical skills and attention to detail.
WorkDesc
The work
As a lab technician, you could be involved in diagnosing diseases, measuring levels of pollution, developing new products, or working with specialised techniques, such as those concerned with infertility and conception.
Whichever area you work in, your main duties are likely to include:
- setting up experiments or investigations
- collecting and analysing samples
- preparing solutions, cultures or specimens
- analysing samples
- recording and presenting data
- ordering and controlling stock
- making sure that equipment is clean and in good working order.
In an education setting, you would also set up equipment, and create and demonstrate experiments.
You would usually work in a team that includes scientists and other technicians. With experience you may also supervise lab support workers or junior technicians.
HoursDesc
Hours
You would usually work 37 hours a week as a full-time lab technician. You may need to work shifts and be on an on-call rota with some employers.
You will generally work in sterile lab conditions and wear protective clothing. In some industries, you would also be involved in carrying out fieldwork, which could include some travel.
IncomeDesc
Income
Lab technicians may earn between £13,500 and £18,500 a year. With experience and qualifications this can rise to between £20,000 and £25,000 a year. Highly skilled technical staff or those with managerial responsibilities may earn £30,000 to £40,000 a year.
Salaries can be higher in the private sector, especially in high-technology areas. Larger private companies usually pay more than smaller companies.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
You will usually need at least four GCSEs (A-C) including science, maths and English. Many employers will also prefer you to have relevant A levels or a BTEC Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science.
Lab work experience and a BTEC HNC/HND or degree in a science-based subject, such as biomedical science, chemistry, physics or biology, could improve your chances of finding work.
You can search for foundation degree, BTEC HND and degree course providers on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Check entry requirements with course providers.
You may be able to start this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. You will need to check which schemes are available in your area. For more information, visit the Apprenticeships website.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
You will usually receive regular on-the-job training from your employer to help you keep up to date with new lab techniques. You may also be encouraged to work towards qualifications such as:
- NVQ Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
- NVQ levels 2, 3 or 4 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
- a foundation degree, for example in biomedical and laboratory science or technical support in labs.
Achieving a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree level qualification could help your career prospects.
As a lab technician in a school, you could get training and support through the CLEAPSS School Science Service. Being a member of the Association for Science Education (ASE) or the Institute of Science and Technology would also give you access to useful resources. See their websites for details.
For more information about a career in science, see the Future Morph website.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To become a laboratory technician, you will need to have:
- good practical and technical skills
- the ability to plan your own workload
- an enquiring and analytical mind
- accuracy and attention to detail
- the ability to meet deadlines
- a methodical approach to your work
- strong problem-solving skills
- good maths and IT skills
- good communication skills
- the ability to work alone and in a team
- the ability to supervise and support junior staff.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
NHS Careers 
PO Box 2311
Bristol
BS2 2ZX
Tel: 0345 60 60 655
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies in the UK)
14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 643 9001
www.semta.org.uk
Women into Science, Engineering and Construction
Athlone Wing
Old Building
Great Horton Road
Bradford
BD7 1AY
Tel: 01274 436485
www.theukrc.org/wise
Health Learning and Skills Advice Line
Tel: 08000 150850
The Association for Science Education (ASE)
College Lane
Hatfield
Herts
AL10 9AA
www.ase.org.uk
CLEAPSS Schools Science Service
Brunel University
Uxbridge
UB8 3PQ
Tel: 01895 251496
www.cleapss.org.uk
Science Council
32 - 36 Loman Street
London
SE1 0EH
Tel: 020 7922 7888
www.sciencecouncil.org
Institute of Science and Technology
Kingfisher House
90 Rockingham Street
Sheffield
S1 4EB
www.istonline.org.uk
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
You can find jobs with a wide range of private and public sector organisations, such as:
- government agencies
- non-government agencies
- universities, colleges and schools
- hospitals and public health laboratories
- forensic science laboratories.
With experience you could progress to team manager or lab supervisor, or specialise in complex analysis work.
Another option is to use your lab skills to move into scientific research, although you are likely to need a Masters degree or PhD for this.
Jobs can be advertised in the local and national press, in journals such as Nature, and New Scientist, and on websites such as NHS Jobs.
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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Related industry information
Industry summary
The chemicals industry is part of the broader science-based sector represented by Cogent Sector Skills Council, which also includes pharmaceuticals, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. Most goods used by people in their homes, at work and in their everyday activities are products derived from the chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. The combined industries employ nearly half a million people in the UK and are of huge economic and strategic importance to the UK. It includes:
- Basic chemicals (including industrial gases, dyes and pigments, fertilisers and nitrogen compounds and plastics and synthetic rubber in primary forms)
- Pesticides and other products
- Soaps and detergents etc. (including cleaning and polishing preparations, perfumes and toilet preparations)
- Other products (including explosives, glues and gelatines and essential oils)
Key facts:
- The chemicals industry is one of the UK’s largest manufacturing industries and manufacturing’s number one exporter.
- It has grown five times faster than the average for all industries over last 10 years.
- The industry spends over £2 billion a year on new capital investment.
- There is a relatively high proportion of the workforce employed in medium-sized enterprises.
- Total employment in the chemicals industry has decreased by 53,000 since 1998 and employment across the whole sector is projected to continue to fall to 2017.
- Fewer, but more highly skilled and technology literate, employees will be expected to operate more flexibly and have crosscutting and change-management skills.
Jobs in the industry range from: Lab technician, Chemical Engineer, Plant Manager, Process Technician, Lab manager, Process Technician (mechanical, instruments, electrical), Graduate Engineer, and Senior Engineer.
National and regional data
Across Great Britain, there are an estimated 108,300 people working in chemicals manufacturing and processing. The largest number of employees is located in:
- North West
- South East
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- East Midlands
The industry is a strategic priority for many regions. There are significant clusters of chemical businesses in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, Central Scotland and in Wales around Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Wrexham. In the North East, there is a concentration of specialty chemicals companies.
Career paths
Careers in the industry are usually well-paid and long-term, with opportunities throughout the UK and often worldwide too. For further information:
Further sources
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